Saturday, March 19, 2011

'Limitless' Movie Review

Title: Limitless

Director: Neil Burger

Writers: Leslie Dixon (screenplay), Alan Glynn (novel)

Stars: Bradley Cooper, Anna Friel and Abbie Cornish

Written by: Karen Benardello

People have always wondered how their lives would change if there was a drug that could make them smarter. The moral question of whether or not people should take such a drug is presented in the new Relativity Media thriller ‘Limitless,’ starring Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro and Abbie Cornish. But audiences will unfortunately forget this question quickly, as the movie glorifies illegal drugs and the extravagant lifestyle people can obtain by taking them.

‘Limitless’ follows writer Eddie Morra (played by Cooper) as he is hit with a severe case of writer’s block. While he is unable to formulate any ideas for his new novel and virtually has no other job prospects, Eddie’s girlfriend, Lindy (portrayed by Cornish), breaks up with him. Eddie then runs into his ex-brother-in-law, who convinces him to take NZT, a top-secret, experimental drug that allows people to use all of their brain power.

After he begins taking NZT every day, Eddie becomes extremely successful in the financial world, using his new-found math skills to make money on Wall Street. Business mogul Carl Van Loon (played by De Niro) becomes impressed with Eddie, and makes him his protege. But Eddie not only tries to hide his dependency on NZT from Carl, but also the fact that hit men are trying to kill him unless he gives them more of the mind-altering drug.

Director Neil Burger had the potential to create an exciting action thriller with ‘Limitless,’ but unfortunately, failed to live up to expectations. The movie, which is based on the 2001 techno thriller novel The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn, has an interesting premise, showcasing what positive effects a street drug can have on a person’s mind. Eddie, who should have been a likable character who proves that anyone can achieve anything they put their mind to, regrettably fails to grow or mature after taking the NZT.